The Lost Girl (Complete)

Chapter Twelve - The Complete Takeover

"No," Celestia moaned, stepping away from them. "No, please, no more."

It was late, shops were beginning to close and still her companions wanted to torture her. When she had been a little girl she had often dreamed of going shopping with some friends and being able to buy brand new clothes but now she knew the truth. Shopping was invented by Satan and Gabriel was his servant.

"You need a swimsuit, Celestia," Sofia pushed patiently. "You said that you don't have one and the weather's still warm enough that we can go swimming."

"No, it's not," She protested. "It'll be winter before long."

"You're being difficult," Gabriel grumbled. "You're worse than what Sang was. She used to just let me do my job but you..." He threw up his hands. "Don't you like all of your new things?"

Realising that her protestations may have come across as bratty, Celestia clenched her fists and made sure that she was looking straight into his eyes, "I love the clothes but it's too much. You've already spent way too much on me and now it's just going overboard."

The four girls all stopped their browsing to look back at them although their eyes never left one another. It was true what she had said, there was no way that she'd ever be able to pay them back for what Gabriel had bought for her. She'd never really had the opportunity to care about what she was wearing since there'd never been any money to buy new things.

Gabriel slowly nodded as he carefully placed the sets back onto the nearby display. "I still think that you should pick a swimsuit rather than end up needing to go out later and grab one but I can understand why you might be overwhelmed." He blew out a breath, "It's been years since I've had to dress anyone so thoroughly and I'd forgotten how exhausting it can be."

Sofia crept closer to place a hand on her father's shoulder before she smiled gently, "How about I help Celestia with this one while you go over with Charlotte and Ashleigh?"

When Gabriel peered at her, Celestia nodded slowly. She conceded that there were some fights that she wouldn't win but at least she knew that he understood why she had been so closed off most of the day.

"Alright," He clapped. "Let's finish up and go and get some ice cream before we all head home."

Sofia looped her arm through Celestia's as they turned towards the wall that was all bikinis, one pieces and sarongs. "So," She chortled, "What do you like to wear usually?"

Holding back a flush, Celestia shrugged, "I don't get to go swimming often so I haven't really owned a suit since I was in primary school."

Appearing somewhat flabbergasted, her mouth opened and closed silently for a moment before she tilted her chin inwards, "Oh, well..."

Celestia searched for something to say before she suddenly spotted a pair of swimmers slightly different from the other sets. She didn't have a name for it but like the bikinis it was a two-piece but instead of the top only covering her breasts, it extended down to where it would probably end at her belly button.

Sofia, realising that she had lost her cousin's attention, looked towards the display until her eyes lighted upon what had caught Celestia's gaze. "Ooo," She breathed, picking the hanger up off the hook. "This would look amazing on you. It goes with your skin tone." Already knowing what size, she thrust it towards the mesmerised girl and turned her towards the dressing room before shooting her dad a wink and following.

... ... ...

Waving at the car, Celestia sagged slightly in the doorway until Gabriel, Sofia and Avery all disappeared and she was able to close the door and drop to the floor with a relieved sigh. It had been a long day and even the yummy dose of ice cream at the end hadn't helped with her exhaustion.